Is this Bud really wiser? Budweiser could have quite the marketing challenge in front of it as it prepares to roll out a new beer, called Budweiser Extra—aka B(E)—nationally. The new brew, which has been test-marketed in dozens of cities, contains caffeine, ginseng, guarina extract and fruit flavors in an apparent attempt to grab market share from cocktails that contain Red Bull and its competitors as mixers. But some knee-jerk consumer reaction is simply, "EEEWWW!" This story in yesterday’s New York Times notes, “Various people who tasted it at my request noted NyQuil in B(E)’s bouquet and hints of white zinfandel and cherry cola on the tongue.” Meanwhile, a quick survey of some Web posts indicated confusion, at the very least, about the beverage’s raison d’etre. Says one person at this link: “So why would you mix caffeine with a depressant? To negate the depressant aspect of alcohol? Does that even work?” We’re not sure we want to know. —Posted by Catharine P. Taylor

January 31, 2005 | Permalink

Comments

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Why would you mix caffine and alcohol?!?!

Right, no one every does that... rum and coke, jack and coke, spanish coffee, irish coffee, red bull and vodka... are these people dense? Caffine is a stimulant and helps you stay up longer to drink more and get more drunk, a win win for bar owners and alcoholics.

Posted by: gorilla | Feb 1, 2005 3:26:54 PM

My buddy Josh and I found these for a buck each in a gas station mini-mart in Las Vegas last Saturday.

They taste like a sweet beer. But it really almost tastes like a Red Bull / Budweiser, seriously :-) I only had one. I just wasn't too sure if more than one would kill me. I really can't see myself grabbing a six pack for the super bowl.

I think Budweiser is definitely going to loose with this one.

Posted by: Jason Marble | Feb 2, 2005 3:01:06 PM

Guys, is not "guarina extract" but "guarana", a very "energetic" fruit from Amazonas. BTW, guaraná (with the accent) is a popular softdrink in Brazil. Cheers!

Posted by: Milo | Feb 12, 2005 10:18:53 AM

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